Kadıköy’s cats, sunsets over Moda, and a piano that’s been given its rightful place… We sat down for a very special conversation with Evgeny Grinko, the acclaimed musician who recorded his latest album right here in Istanbul.
Evgeny Grinko is one of those rare artists who can translate the purest emotions into sound. He turns silence into melody and solitude into music, crafting works that have found a devoted audience in Turkey ever since his iconic piece Valsefirst touched hearts here years ago. Since then, Grinko has performed in dozens of Turkish cities, wandering their streets, meeting their people, and—true to form—befriending their cats. Now, with his new album Winter Moonlight, he invites listeners into a different kind of story—one that blends memory, intimacy, and a profound sense of place.
In this candid interview, Grinko opens up about his creative journey, his deep affection for Istanbul’s neighborhoods, and the bittersweet memory of his beloved late cat, Mr. Squirrel.
Your new album, Winter Moonlight, is deeply moving. How did it take shape? What inspired you during its creation?
Even the smallest details from my childhood—fragments I’ve carried with me for decades—can spark a song or even an entire album. These memories are like doors into music. While instrumental works can stand on their own, I believe they should be more than just a collection of sounds. They should carry a story. That’s why the titles of my compositions are so important: they’re signposts for me and for the listener, guiding us deeper into the world behind the music.
Where did you record the album?
I’ve often recorded in different countries, but not this time. Winter Moonlight was recorded in 2023 in my home studio here in Istanbul (laughs).
You’re known as a pianist, yet you began your musical life on guitar. Why didn’t you continue with it?
Actually, I started with both guitar and drums. But at some point, I began searching for new sounds—something that could better convey the emotions I wanted to express. The piano became that instrument for me. It has a power, especially when it comes to transmitting romantic feelings, that I find unmatched.
